A&M escapes with tight victory over Nicholls St.

Texas A&M running back Kendall Bussey's fourth-quarter touchdown run put the Aggies ahead for good in Saturday's win over Nicholls State, rebounding from last week's embarrassing loss to UCLA.

Photo: Sam Craft, FRE

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Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) passes downfield against Nicholls State during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam ... more

Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) passes downfield against Nicholls State during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft) less

Photo: Sam Craft/Associated Press

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies warms up before playing the Nicholls State Colonels at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob ... more

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies warms up before playing the Nicholls State Colonels at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) less

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies throws a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Nicholls State Colonels at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College ... more

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies throws a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Nicholls State Colonels at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) less

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies warms up before playing the Nicholls State Colonels at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob ... more

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies warms up before playing the Nicholls State Colonels at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) less

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Lorran Fonseca #49 of the Nicholls State Colonels connects on 37 yard field goal out of the hold of Tyler St. Germain #19 in the second quarter against the Texas A&M ... more

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Lorran Fonseca #49 of the Nicholls State Colonels connects on 37 yard field goal out of the hold of Tyler St. Germain #19 in the second quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) less

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Kevin Sumlin of the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Kevin Sumlin of the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies scrambles out of the pocket to avoid a tackle by Terrell Encalade #87 of the Nicholls State Colonels in the second quarter at ... more

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies scrambles out of the pocket to avoid a tackle by Terrell Encalade #87 of the Nicholls State Colonels in the second quarter at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) less

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies throws a pass as he gets pressure from Tyler Johnson #90 of the Nicholls State Colonels at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in ... more

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies throws a pass as he gets pressure from Tyler Johnson #90 of the Nicholls State Colonels at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) less

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Chase Fourcade #9 of the Nicholls State Colonels rolls out of the pocket against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. ... more

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Chase Fourcade #9 of the Nicholls State Colonels rolls out of the pocket against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) less

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Mason Roberts #13 of the Nicholls State Colonels is tackled by Charles Oliver at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty ... more

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Mason Roberts #13 of the Nicholls State Colonels is tackled by Charles Oliver at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) less

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Christian Boutte #1 of the Nicholls State Colonels is called for pass interference on Kendrick Rogers #13 of the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in ... more

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Christian Boutte #1 of the Nicholls State Colonels is called for pass interference on Kendrick Rogers #13 of the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) less

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Trayveon Williams #5 of the Texas A&M Aggies is tackled by Evan Veron #48 of the Nicholls State Colonels in the first quarter at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in ... more

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Trayveon Williams #5 of the Texas A&M Aggies is tackled by Evan Veron #48 of the Nicholls State Colonels in the first quarter at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) less

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Tim Rebowe of the Nicholls State Colonels argues with the field judge after he was flagged for unsportsman like conduct at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in ... more

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Tim Rebowe of the Nicholls State Colonels argues with the field judge after he was flagged for unsportsman like conduct at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) less

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Dontrell Taylor #29 of the Nicholls State Colonels is pursued by Tyrel Dodson #25 of the Texas A&M Aggies and Otaro Alaka #42 in the first quarter at Kyle Field on ... more

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Dontrell Taylor #29 of the Nicholls State Colonels is pursued by Tyrel Dodson #25 of the Texas A&M Aggies and Otaro Alaka #42 in the first quarter at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) less

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Trayveon Williams #5 of the Texas A&M Aggies is tackled by Evan Veron #48 of the Nicholls State Colonels in the first quarter at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in ... more

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Trayveon Williams #5 of the Texas A&M Aggies is tackled by Evan Veron #48 of the Nicholls State Colonels in the first quarter at Kyle Field on September 9, 2017 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) less

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty Images

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Texas A&M running back Trayveon Williams (5) dives over the goal line for a touchdown against Nicholls State during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in College ... more

Texas A&M running back Trayveon Williams (5) dives over the goal line for a touchdown against Nicholls State during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft) less

Photo: Sam Craft/Associated Press

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Nicholls State wide receiver Mason Roberts (13) catches a pass for a first down as Texas A&M defensive back Charles Oliver (21) defends during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, ... more

Nicholls State wide receiver Mason Roberts (13) catches a pass for a first down as Texas A&M defensive back Charles Oliver (21) defends during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft) less

Photo: Sam Craft/Associated Press

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Nicholls State quarterback Chase Fourcade (9) passes downfield against Texas A&M during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam ... more

Nicholls State quarterback Chase Fourcade (9) passes downfield against Texas A&M during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft) less

Photo: Sam Craft/Associated Press

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Nicholls State running back Kyran Irvin (30) is stopped for a loss by Texas A&M defensive lineman Daylon Mack (5) and lineman Qualen Cunningham (9) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game ... more

Nicholls State running back Kyran Irvin (30) is stopped for a loss by Texas A&M defensive lineman Daylon Mack (5) and lineman Qualen Cunningham (9) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft) less

Photo: Sam Craft/Associated Press

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Nicholls State running back Kyran Irvin (30) carries the ball against Texas A&M during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam ... more

Nicholls State running back Kyran Irvin (30) carries the ball against Texas A&M during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft) less

Photo: Sam Craft/Associated Press

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Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond (11) looks to pass against Nicholls State during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

Photo: Sam Craft/Associated Press

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Texas A&M quarterback Nick Starkel (17) uses a cart to move around Kyle Field before an NCAA college football game against Nicholls State Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam ... more

Texas A&M quarterback Nick Starkel (17) uses a cart to move around Kyle Field before an NCAA college football game against Nicholls State Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft) less

Photo: Sam Craft/Associated Press

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Texas A&M wide receiver Christian Kirk (3) turns into the end zone after catching a pass for a touchdown against Nicholls State during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, ... more

Texas A&M wide receiver Christian Kirk (3) turns into the end zone after catching a pass for a touchdown against Nicholls State during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft) less

Photo: Sam Craft/Associated Press

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Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin enters Kyle Field before an NCAA college football game against Nicholls State, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

Photo: Sam Craft/Associated Press

COLLEGE STATION - Texas A&M might finally have a starting quarterback, and he's not one of the coaching staff's first two choices to lead the Aggies this season.

Senior Jake Hubenak, inserted for unproductive freshman Kellen Mond, led the Aggies to a winning touchdown drive in the fourth quarter as the Aggies edged Nicholls State 24-14 at Kyle Field.

The Aggies were just happy to play football again after one of their most embarrassing setbacks under sixth-year coach Kevin Sumlin. For most of four quarters the awkward Aggies looked like they could have used a little more time off.

"Getting the win is always good, no matter if it's ugly or not," A&M senior safety Armani Watts said. "As long as you come out with the 'W,' that's all that matters."

'Just need a change'

The non-conference contest was tied 14-14 midway through the fourth quarter, when A&M running back Kendall Bussey pushed his way into the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown run to finally shove the Aggies ahead for good on a Hubenak-led drive.

A&M added a Daniel LaCamera field goal with 18 seconds remaining to put away the Colonels. Mond earned his first start in place fellow freshman Nick Starkel, who broke his ankle in the opener at UCLA, and the knock on Mond from his high school days was evident in a little more than a half of play: The dual-threat quarterback had trouble finding open receivers for most of the night, and the Colonels were able to focus on slowing the run.

Hubenak was inserted for Mond in the third quarter to a roar from an impatient crowd and with the Aggies clinging to their 14-6 halftime lead.

Nicholls tied the game early in the fourth quarter after Chase Fourcade connected with Damion Jeanpiere on a 54-yard reception, and then Fourcade tossed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Stephen LeBouef. The two-point conversion was good and A&M fans who had been nervous from the week before grew more so, prior to Hubenak leading the winning touchdown drive midway through the fourth quarter.

"Sometimes you just need a change of pace out there," Hubenak said of the switch at quarterback. "The guys did a great job of responding when I got in the game."

Found a way to finish

The Aggies rebounded, at least partly, from a 45-44 loss last weekend at UCLA. The Bruins staged the second-largest comeback in major college football history, after trailing 44-10 late in the third quarter.

"We did something we didn't do a week ago, and that was finish a football game," Sumlin said.

While Hubenak led the Aggies to the victory on Saturday, he didn't get that chance at UCLA after Sumlin and offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone relied on Starkel and Mond throughout.

"The coaches make the decision they think is best for the team," Hubenak said of not playing against UCLA. "That's really none of my concern right now."

A relieved A&M linebacker Otaro Alaka said late Saturday, "A win is a win, we're glad we got it."

Following the UCLA humiliation A&M regent Tony Buzbee, a prominent Houston trial attorney, posted on Facebook that Sumlin needed to be fired, and offered myriad reasons why in a detailed explanation.

'We want excellence'

Later in the week, Buzbee backed up his assertion to the Chronicle, claiming, "We want excellence, and we're certainly paying the price for it" concerning Sumlin's $5 million annual salary, along with defensive coordinator John Chavis making $1.6 million annually. A&M also rebuilt Kyle Field to the tune of $500 million two years ago. The Aggies have lost six consecutive games dating to last season to opponents from Power Five leagues.

In addition this past week, Sumlin's wife, Charlene, posted on Twitter a racist, threatening letter along with an accompanying envelope with a Houston return address she claimed the family received at its home.

A&M president Michael Young and athletic director Scott Woodward issued a joint statement condemning the letter, and local law enforcement has opened an investigation into the matter.

Brent Zwerneman is a staff writer for the Houston Chronicle and chron.com covering Texas A&M athletics. He is a graduate of Oak Ridge High School and Sam Houston State University.

Brent is the author of four published books about Texas A&M, three related to A&M athletics. He’s a four-time winner of APSE National Top 10 writing awards for the San Antonio Express-News, including a second-place finish for breaking the Dennis Franchione “secret newsletter” scandal in 2007.

His coverage of Texas A&M’s move to the SEC from the Big 12 also netted a third-place finish nationally in 2012. Brent met his wife, KBTX-TV news anchor Crystal Galny, in the Dixie Chicken before an A&M-Texas Tech football game in 2002, and the couple has three children: Will, Zoe and Brady.